Deep Linking in Power Apps Canvas Apps // Chris Worth

Deep linking in Power Apps Canvas apps allows users to navigate directly to specific screens or pass parameters to customize their experience. This functionality is essential for creating seamless, user-friendly apps.

What is Deep Linking in Canvas Apps?

Deep linking in Power Apps means creating URLs that:

Open a specific screen in your app
Pass parameters to customize the app’s behavior

For example, clicking a link might open your app to a “Details” screen and pre-fill fields with relevant data.

Key Concepts in Deep Linking

App URL: Every Power Apps Canvas app has a unique URL, which can be extended with query parameters to enable deep linking.

   https://apps.powerapps.com/play/<AppID>

Query Parameters: Added to the app URL to specify actions or screens.

   https://apps.powerapps.com/play/<AppID>?Page=Details&ItemID=123

Param() Function: Retrieves values from the query parameters inside the app.

Implementing Deep Linking in Power Apps

Step 1: Use the `App.StartScreen` Property

The App.StartScreen property determines the initial screen when the app opens. It’s a better alternative to using App.OnStart for navigation.

App.StartScreen = Switch(
    Param("Page"),
    "Details", DetailsScreen,
    "Settings", SettingsScreen,
    HomeScreen
)

Step 2: Retrieve Parameters Using `Param()`

Set(itemID, Param("ItemID"));

Step 3: Build Logic Based on Parameters

If(!IsBlank(itemID),
    Filter(ItemsDataSource, ID = itemID),
    ItemsDataSource
)

Creating Deep Links

Base URL: Find your app’s URL from the Power Apps portal
Add Parameters: Append query parameters:

   https://apps.powerapps.com/play/<AppID>?Page=Details&ItemID=456

Testing Deep Links

Publish the App: Ensure your app is up-to-date
Use Test URLs: Open the constructed URLs in a web browser or Power Apps mobile app

Best Practices

Use App.StartScreen instead of App.OnStart for navigation
Implement default navigation when no parameters are provided
Validate parameters and handle invalid values gracefully
Test across browsers and the Power Apps mobile app
Avoid exposing sensitive data in URLs

Example Use Cases

Pre-Filled Forms

If(!IsBlank(Param("UserID")),
    Set(UserData, LookUp(Users, ID = Param("UserID")))
);

Custom Views

If(Param("View") = "Sales",
    Navigate(SalesDashboardScreen),
    Navigate(DefaultDashboardScreen)
);